Recently one of the families in our Focolare community discovered that their vacuum wasn’t working. It had finally been pronounced dead after a final attempt at the repair center, and buying a new one was out of the question.

I knew it was a source of stress, so I immediately lent them mine for a week since I was going away, confident that we would find them a vacuum through God’s providence.

That month’s Word of Life was:

“Sell your belongings and give alms. Provide money bags for yourselves that do not wear out …” (Lk 12:33)

Knowing that we strive to live the communion of goods among us as the early Christians did, upon my return I sent out an e-mail to everyone, sharing the need. The following morning a friend called to say she had an extra vacuum; then another called to say she would check out the local thrift shop; another offered to pray; and another had an extra vacuum as well. Not only did God take care of this need, he even offered the family a choice.

I was struck once again by how personal God’s immense love is for us, even in small things. We are indeed one big family, through which he communicates that love.

M. C., New Jersey

Published with permission from Living City January 2010, the Focolare Movement's monthly magazine of religion, dialogue and culture | www.livingcitymagazine.com